Walking With You is an outreach of Sufficient Grace Ministries. We are a group of mothers who have lost a baby or child, who gather together each month to share our stories, to encourage, and pray for one another as we walk this path together. Our hope is that you will be comforted when you join us here...and maybe that we can offer some grace for the journey as we look to the Lord for comfort and strength.
Today, came across the blog above...my heart just breaks at the many, many, MANY devastated mommies and daddies across this world missing their precious babies. I'm literally overwhelmed at how many blogs for these babies exist. It's just horrible...and really beautiful at the same time. This one, from the Sufficient Grace Ministries, had a really nice post today. A hard post--one that acknowledged that most days, getting out of bed and brushing one's teeth seems to be a major accomplishment when deep in the midst of grieving one's baby. (AMEN!) It challenged readers to give God praise, even in the middle of the this heartache.
My promise was to do just that...I was so grateful to God for Matthew, I couldn't EVER imagine a time I would be able to do nothing but praise Him for the miracle He gave me in Matthew. As I've said before, I never in a million years dreamed I'd be called to prove that.
Yet so many dear friends make it so easy for me! John and I have been wrapped in love and prayers from the second Matthew (Red Fish, I'm convinced!) WAS! His death has brought more people and love and prayers to us than I can believe. We are truly blessed with so much love and God's work in action. THAT is worth praising!
I had a doctor appointment today for some other complications--nothing major, hopefully, and more just the fun that comes with having an emergency c-section. BUT...the skill and expertise shown by the doctors and nurses and staff who worked on me from the day we went to the hospital to the day we left is truly worth praising. Because of them, I'm alive! I've healed pretty well and I was treated with such heartfelt compassion, I'm still in awe of it. THAT is worth praising!
John and I have been able to grieve together. We do our own separate thing, but we come together as needed and are forever bonded and deep in our love for each other and our little boy. THAT is worth praising.
We are hopeful for a sibling for Matthew. I doubt the road is going to be easy, but it is still worth taking. THAT is worth praising!
I received two different things that touched my heart today from two dear friends. The first, familiar Bible verses:
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls"
The neat thing about these verses? They are Matthew 11:28 and 29....My Matthew was born on 11/28 and died on 11/29. How very, very appropriate.
The next came with the attached message: "Jesus told me to send this to you."
Really, how great is our God? I am hurting and broken...yet He still sends me in so many different ways His compassion and His love.
Hi Lori...thank you so much for joining us on this Walking With You. I am so sorry for the loss of your sweet Matthew. He is just beautiful. The verses you shared are very comforting, and so true. He is always there with His love and compassion..."for all who are weary and heavy laden".
ReplyDeletePraying God's continued comfort and sufficient grace for you and your family...
Yes, our God is so GREAT!!! I have witnessed it time and time again. Even in the "empty" days, our God is still here with us, holding us. I got chills when I read about the verses in Matthew, and you sons birthday being the same. That is awesome... just like our God! Thank you for sharing Matthew... He is precious.
ReplyDeleteLori -- I love that these verses are connected to precious Matthew. And you are loved and lifted up to the Lord by so many. By me, hourly. Every time my watch beeps the hour, I pray for you, John, and Matthew. I thought I should tell you that as the word verification tonight is "bless."
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, I'm so glad you posted that Chris Tomlin video. I love that song and cried throughout the video and sang it to Caleb tonight too. Thankfully he doesn't mind my poor singing voice :)
ReplyDeleteI read this and immediately thought of you. Praying for you, John, Matthew, and the road ahead.
"Follow God's lead without knowing where He's sending you;
Wait for God's timing without knowing when it will come;
Expect a miracle without knowing how God will provide;
Trust God's purpose without understanding the circumstances."
I love this song. And I had never heard of the site before - I think I will check it out and maybe join in!
ReplyDeleteLori,
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you found a group of people who have experienced what you have experienced. They are the ones who truly understand your hurt and understand your journey.
Thank you for your comment on my "waiting" blog. I'm glad I have a friend during the wait process.
Wish you were no longer waiting....
In Christ,
Charity
That is one of my favorite, favorite songs and has comforted me on so many occasions. I'm so glad it was sent to you at just the right time.
ReplyDelete